In a groundbreaking move that bridges the gap between artificial intelligence (AI) and the physical world, Hugging Face, the trailblazer behind the widely-used open-source machine learning framework and a notable competitor to ChatGPT, has announced its latest venture: an open robotics project. This initiative signifies a pivotal shift for the company, traditionally focused on software, into the realm of hardware, with the aim to democratize robotics through open-source and affordable solutions.
Spearheaded by Remi Cadene, a former staff scientist at Tesla, the project embodies Hugging Face’s commitment to open-source principles, a stance underscored in Cadene’s announcement on X (formerly Twitter), where he playfully noted the project would be “open-source, not as in Open AI”—a nod to the ongoing legal tussles involving OpenAI and Elon Musk, Cadene’s erstwhile employer. Cadene’s leadership in this endeavor is particularly noteworthy, given his extensive background in AI and his vision for a future where robotics technology is accessible to all.
After 3 years @tesla and Optimus, I am thrilled to announce that I joined Hugging Face to start an ambitious open robotics project! (open as in open-source, not as in Open AI) Looking for engineers to build real robots in Paris 🇫🇷 https://t.co/cFuNL4PVI4 🤖🤗 pic.twitter.com/7IkunPXOpX
— Remi Cadene (@RemiCadene) March 7, 2024
The Paris-based startup is on the lookout for robotics engineers to join this ambitious project, as evidenced by a job posting for an “Embodied Robotics Engineer.” The role is defined by its focus on crafting, developing, and maintaining low-cost robotic systems that seamlessly integrate AI technologies, specifically targeting advancements in deep learning and embodied AI. Candidates are expected to work closely with machine learning engineers, researchers, and product teams to forge new paths in robotics and AI, leveraging off-the-shelf components and 3D-printed parts to construct affordable robots.
This pivot towards hardware represents a significant expansion for Hugging Face, which has concentrated its efforts on developing its machine learning codebase and open-source chatbot platforms. The foray into robotics underscores a strategic move to bring AI from the digital realm into tangible, everyday applications, making advanced technology accessible to a broader audience.
In light of this announcement, the tech community is abuzz with anticipation for what Hugging Face’s open robotics project might unveil. As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, initiatives like this play a crucial role in ensuring that the benefits of these technologies are widely shared, fostering innovation and collaboration across the globe.
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in robotics and AI, Hugging Face’s open-source project not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also for the wider tech industry, promising to usher in an age of innovation, collaboration, and accessibility in robotics technology.
Like this article? Keep up to date with AI news, apps, tools and get tips and tricks on how to improve with AI. Sign up to our Free AI Newsletter
Also, come check out our free AI training portal and community of business owners, entrepreneurs, executives and creators. Level up your business with AI ! New courses added weekly.